Mary Rose Ruggero

Mary Rose Ruggero,94, Rockford, passed away Saturday, October 1,2016, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 24, 1921, in Rockford, the daughter of Alex and Catherine (Mangiaracina) LaSala. They passed away when Mary was very young and she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Martin and Ang Giacone. She married Nicholas Ruggero in Rockford on May 5, 1946. He passed away on July 14, 1980. She and her husband owned and operated Parkway Supermarket for 15 years and then owned Ross’ Restaurant for 21 years retiring in 1980. Mary was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She was a devout Catholic who loved praying the Rosary and even started a Rosary group with her friends at Siena every Monday.
Mary enjoyed playing golf with her dear friend Frances Fanara, playing cards with her cousins and frequent trips to the casino with family and friends. She also enjoyed her daily talks with close friend and neighbor Angie Patch
Survived by her son Sam of Lexington, KY; her grandsons, Nick Ruggero of Tacoma, WA and Sam (Gloria) Ruggero of Junction City, Kansas; her 4 great-grandchildren; her 2 great-great- grandchildren; 2 nieces, Linda (Jim) Collins and Kitty (Vince) Benedetti; her dearest cousin, Barb (Joe) Giacone and their daughters, Cindy (Tim) Hamilton and Cristy (John Dempsey) Giacone; many close family members, numerous cousins, and her dearest friends at Siena. Predeceased by her husband, Nick; her parents; her brother, Joe and her sister, Rosa.
Special thank you to Dr. Juliette Kalweit and the Serenity Hospice Staff. Caregivers, Liberty, Tina, Juana, Sarah, Michelle and the In-Home staff at Siena on Brendenwood who took such loving care of Mary in her final days.
Funeral Mass will held at10:30 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2016, at Holy Family Catholic Church 4401 N. Highcrest Rd, Rockford. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, and again on Friday from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the City of St. Jude, 2048 W. Fairview Av. Montgomery, AL 36108-4198. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.